Rwanda in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Rwanda

26°C (79°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak gorilla trekking season - dry paths make accessing Volcanoes National Park easier, with 95% success rate for sightings compared to 75% during rainy months
Perfect hiking weather with cool mornings (19°C/66°F) ideal for early gorilla treks starting at 7am, warming to comfortable 26°C (79°F) by afternoon
Crystal clear mountain views - December's dry air provides exceptional visibility of the Virunga Mountains, perfect for photography without haze
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 20-30% less than July-August peak season while weather remains excellent

Considerations

Higher tourist volumes at gorilla parks - December sees 60% more visitors than November, requiring gorilla permits to be booked 3-4 months in advance
Afternoon shower risk - 40% chance of 20-30 minute downpours between 2-4pm, potentially affecting scheduled afternoon activities
Dusty conditions on unpaved roads - dry season means more dust when traveling between parks, particularly problematic for those with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in December

Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking

December offers optimal trekking conditions with firm, dry trails and minimal mud. Cool morning temperatures (19°C/66°F) make the 2-4 hour hikes comfortable, while clear skies provide better photography conditions. Vegetation is less dense after the dry period, improving gorilla visibility.

Booking Tip: Book permits 3-4 months in advance through Rwanda Development Board - permits cost $1,500 per person. Choose 7am or 8am start times to avoid afternoon showers. See current tour packages including transfers in the booking section below.

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walks and Primate Tracking

December's drier conditions mean less slippery canopy walkway at 60m (197ft) height and clearer forest views. Chimpanzee tracking success rates peak at 85% during dry season as troops stay in predictable locations near water sources.

Booking Tip: Book chimpanzee permits ($100) and canopy walk slots ($60) at least 2 weeks ahead. Morning slots (8am-10am) offer best wildlife activity and avoid afternoon rain risk. Tours typically range $150-250 including transport.

Lake Kivu Water Activities and Island Tours

December brings calm waters and excellent visibility for swimming, kayaking, and island hopping. Water temperature reaches comfortable 24°C (75°F), while dry weather ensures reliable boat schedules to Napoleon Island and other fishing communities.

Booking Tip: Half-day island tours cost $40-80 per person. Book through lakeside hotels for best rates. Morning departures (9am-11am) offer calmest waters before afternoon thermal winds. Avoid 2-4pm due to potential shower activity.

Akagera National Park Safari Drives

Dry season concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources, dramatically improving Big Five sighting opportunities. Reduced vegetation and firm roads allow access to remote park areas usually inaccessible during rains. Early morning game drives (6am-9am) offer best wildlife activity.

Booking Tip: Full-day safaris range $120-200 per person including park fees ($30). Book 1-2 weeks ahead for vehicle availability. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles for dry season road conditions. See current safari options in booking section below.

Kigali Cultural and Genocide Memorial Tours

December's pleasant weather makes walking tours of Kigali's hills comfortable, with clear views across the city's numerous valleys. Reduced humidity (70% vs 85% in rainy season) makes indoor memorial visits more comfortable during emotional experiences.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost $25-50 per person for half-day experiences. Book morning slots (9am-12pm) to avoid afternoon heat and potential showers. Many operators offer combo packages including genocide memorials and local markets.

Community Cultural Experiences and Village Stays

Dry roads provide better access to rural communities for authentic cultural exchanges. December coincides with harvest season for certain crops, offering opportunities to participate in traditional farming activities and taste fresh seasonal produce.

Booking Tip: Community visits range $30-100 per person depending on activities included. Book through established community tourism cooperatives for real feels. Half-day visits work best to avoid afternoon weather changes.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony Follow-up Events

While the main ceremony occurs in September, December features community conservation celebrations and follow-up cultural events in villages around Volcanoes National Park, offering insight into local conservation efforts

Throughout December

Harvest Festivals in Rural Communities

December marks harvest time for sorghum and beans in many regions. Rural communities celebrate with traditional dancing, local beer brewing, and communal feasts. Particularly busy in areas around Nyungwe and Congo

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - Start with light cotton base layers for 26°C (79°F) afternoons, add fleece or light jacket for 19°C (66°F) early mornings during gorilla treks

Waterproof hiking boots - Essential for gorilla trekking on potentially muddy forest trails, even during dry season. Choose boots that cover ankles for 2-4 hour forest hikes

Quick-dry rain jacket - Afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense. Avoid plastic ponchos that tear on forest vegetation

High SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index reaches 8 at Rwanda's high altitude (1,500m/4,921ft average), with thinner atmosphere providing less protection

Wide-brimmed hat - Protection from both sun and light rain, crucial during open-area activities like Akagera safaris

Lightweight long pants - Required for gorilla trekking and forest walks to protect against stinging nettles and thorns

Cotton or merino wool socks - Avoid synthetic materials in 70% humidity, bring extras as feet may get wet during forest activities

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - Mosquitoes remain active during December's warm evenings, particularly around Congo

Portable phone charger/power bank - Power outages can occur during afternoon thunderstorms, especially in rural areas near national parks

Dust mask or bandana - Dry season creates dusty conditions on unpaved roads between parks and rural areas

Insider Knowledge

Book gorilla permits for mid-week dates (Tuesday-Thursday) when possible - weekend slots fill fastest and offer more crowded forest experiences

Carry small denomination US dollars ($1, $5, $10 bills) printed after 2013 - older bills and large denominations often rejected by vendors and some hotels

Schedule gorilla treks for first available time slot (7am or 8am) - not only avoids afternoon rain risk but provides cooler hiking conditions and more active gorilla behavior

December road dust can trigger respiratory issues - if you have asthma or allergies, pack appropriate medication and consider window-up transport between destinations

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all-season gear works year-round - December requires specific preparation for dry dusty conditions rather than wet weather gear most visitors pack

Booking afternoon activities (2-6pm) without rain backup plans - 40% of December days have brief but intense afternoon showers that can disrupt outdoor schedules

Underestimating altitude effects - Most of Rwanda sits above 1,500m (4,921ft), causing faster dehydration and stronger UV exposure than visitors expect